A/N Yup, that was fast. This is not so long as the last two, but I decided
to give you another chapter. This one is a transitional chapter required
before everything blows up again!
Note: Rating drops back to PG and will remain so for the remainder of the story unless otherwise noted.
Kagome encounters the evil plotter in..
Chapter 14: The Figure in the Shadows
Kagome had returned to the past with Inuyasha. They were gladly received after their long absence and all of the people of the past noticed that the shadow that had hung over Inuyasha's heart and mind since that fateful day on the cliff had lifted. He had greeted their friends with a beaming grin, Miroku and Sango thought they would die of shock when the hanyou had declared having missed them. Miroku had placed a hand on his forehead to check for illness and was rewarded with a bonk on the head for his concern. Perhaps the change for the best was most obvious to Myouga, who had known Inuyasha the longest.
The gifts they had bought for their friends were loved and praised, and put to immediate use. You often would see Miroku curled up against a tree muttering to himself as he read through the Dating for Dummies book. Sango now carried her new sword at her side at all times, its beauty only complimented her own as Miroku liked so much to say. ( he did learn something from that book!). Shippou now wore his helmet everywhere and the hanyou had yet to find a reason suitable enough to punch through Shippou's beloved gift.
That was two months ago.
Now two months later, aforementioned flea demon was hitching a ride on the fire rat kimono of a certain white haired, golden hanyou that led the former gatherers of the Shikkon shards on a trip through the countryside.
'My lord certainly has changed' thought the elderly flea as he watched the surrounding secenary. Rolling hills stretched out as far as the humans could see to the west and a forest flanked them on the east. To the south was the village of Kaede at Edo (now Tokyo) and to the north lay the seemingly endless expanse of the Sea of Japan.
'When Kikyou, who had won his trust ultimately betrayed him, I feared for his sanity. When Kagome came into his life, he was forced to become angry at her rather than wallow in his own sorrow and ultimately lose his mind. Then,' Myouga continued on as his thoughts darkened and a shadow passed over his face, 'when I came upon him in the aftermath of Kagome's dreadful tirade, I feared he would be lost to us forever. Then in the village after she first returned, the sight of his hopelessness and pain dashed nearly all hope I had of his recovery.'
Myouga stole a glance at Kagome who now walked by Inuyasha's side.
'But, I thankfully underestimated the power of Kagome and the love he has for her. In two short weeks, Kagome has accomplished what Kikyou and all others who have ever cared for Inuyasha were unable to do. She has made him pure again. She has lifted the shadow over his heart and destroyed his long built defenses against the world. She has made him unconditionally happy. For the first time, I have witnessed an Inuyasha who is quicker to smile and laugh than bark and snarl with rage. Who finds it easy to let a friend know he cares, and express love to another openly and without restraint. Now, this is how he should have been had he lived the life he deserved. My lord is now free of the demons he has carried inside for so long. Now, he is free to bear his soul and open his heart to the world. All thanks to a young girl.nay, women who fell unforeseen into a well in the future and changed the life of Inuyasha forever.'
***********
The group of friends had decided to head out of the village for a day of sightseeing in the surrounding area. Inuyasha had offered to show them around the countryside on numerous day trips throughout the coming years. Today, he had chosen to show them a beautiful clearing he had stumbled upon many years before in pursuit of the Shikon no Tama.
Kagome and Sango had prepared a picnic lunch for the trip. They had prepared sandwitches of turkey and ones of ham brought from Kagome's time. Also, they had used eggs from the village's hens to make fried egg sushi and omlettes. Lastly, the had packed up the rice remaining form the preparation of sushi and made a large pot of tea to take along for the trip as well as for lunch.
The girls strapped the basket and kettle unto the transformed Kirara's back to transport it to the picnic site. Inuyasha had insisted upon them all walking there. It was not far and walking would allow them to enjoy the scenary all that much more. Though Kagome and Sango had at first resisted, they couldn't resist his request when they looked into his hopeful golden eyes.
So that's how they came to be walking across the Japanese countryside in the dawn of spring.
"How much longer Inuyasha?" Kagome inquired "We've been walking along the border of the forest for two hours now."
He glanced at her and then raised his voice so the remainder of the group, who were walking a short distance behind could hear.
"We'll be there soon."
With that said, Inuyasha turned into the forest and began walking straight into the heart of the forest. As they walked deeper into the forest, the sunshine became more and more dim; the dense canopy of leaves that adorned the upper branches of the elderly trees blocked the light. However, the sun filtered through narrow openings in the leaves and cast an ethereal light on the forest floor. For such an old forest, the forest floor was surprisingly bare. It lacked the normal undergrowth and sported only a carpeting of grass that lived on despite the cool temperatures and low light of the forest. The trees were tall and old, their flawless trunks were deep brown and branches only started about forty feet off the forest floor. There was the occasional silver birch tree, their silver and slender trunks in stark contrast to the elderly, tall and wide trunks of the trees that surrounded it. The forest seemed to have an otherworldly nature to it. All sound seemed muffled here and the birds sang a clear song. The travelers were awed by the majesty of the place and were only struck out of their stupor when upon reaching a band of previously unseen willow trees, Inuyasha came to a dead halt.
"We're here." He whispered, and pushed away the veil of weeping willow leaves.
As they stepped through, they collectively gasped in wonder. They stood in a grove of silver birch trees. The slender, young trees with their silver leaves stood only fifteen feet tall. In this small clearing, surrounded by a curtain of weeping willow vines, there were no tall trees and the sunlight beamed down full force and sparkled off the beautiful trees. A small stream ran through the clearing. It was impossibly clear and the bed was of pure white sand adorned with waving seaweed plants and pearl white shells. Tiny fish swam in the crystal waters. The streams song soothed their minds, it seemed to wash away all cares with its pure sound.
At last, Kagome broke the silence.
"It's-it's beautiful." She gasped
"Yes," agreed Sango in a nearly in audible voice "More beautiful than anything I have ever encountered."
"Woah!" gasped Shippou "Pretty!"
Kirara simply meowed appreciatively.
"This place-" started Miroku "It seems that it is not of this world."
"Good. I knew you'd like it!" The hanyou said happily.
"Alright, guys!" Kagome said, clapping her hands together "We've had a long walk, now lets eat!"
They rushed forward to the center of the clearing and set out the blanket they had brought to place their food on. They set out the meal and after washing off in the clear stream felt refreshed and they all zealously dove into the delicious meal.
After lunch, the company lay down in the beautiful area. They felt relaxed and soon dropped off to sleep. Inuyasha lay on his stomach with his head cradled in his crossed arms and a gentle expression on his face. Kagome had lain down beside him on her back, her hands cradeling her head as she soaked up the suns warmth. Sango lay propped up against one of the slender birches, Kirara curled up in her lap. Miroku leaned up against the same tree and slept with his head facing hers, but far enough away to not merit a slap. It was a technique he learned from the book Kagome had given him.
********
"Yes, yes." The shadowed figure cooed from the shadows of the forest. "Now you're all asleep..good.good.."
'The girl will feel my aura soon. She will come and I will be waiting!'
The figure laughed softly as she stole into the deeper reaches of the forest to wait for the girl to come to her.
**********
A shadow infiltrated Kagome's dreams. Pulled to sudden consciousness, Kagome sat up quickly and glanced around the clearing. The willow vines swayed in the breeze and her sleeping companions had yet to stir from slumber. They looked so peaceful, Kagome did not want to wake them for a yet unproved feeling of unease.
Quietly she rose to her feet and started off toward the source of her unease.
As she passed through the willow tree boundary, the feeling only increased.
'What on Earth is going on?' Kagome mused 'This is a peaceful place, none should disrupt the peacefulness of this forest.'
With that in mind, Kagome set out toward the heart of the disturbance, with only a quick glance behind her.
**********
"She's almost here.."
*******
Kagome walked through the forest until she reached yet another clearing. This one lacked the peace of the birch tree clearing and this one was filled with black trunk sporting oak trees.
The feeling in this clearing made her skin crawl. She almost regretted not taking Inuyasha with her.
A rustle from the surrounding woods made Kagome whirl around. As she turned, she found herself staring at the one face she had hoped to never see again.
"You!" She exclaimed in fear and anger "It was you!"
"Yes." said the figure "Last time you slipped through my grasp alive, this time you wont be so lucky! You will die by my hand and Inuyasha by yours!"
To Be Continued...
~ Another chappie out!
Chapter 15: The Black Miko's Revenge *coming soon!*
IMPORTANT NOTE: In your REVIEW, please leave a note on whether you would prefer a shorter time between updates (about 2-3 days) and shorter chapters (4-6 pages, like this one) or about a week between updates and longer chapters like chapters 12 and 13. Please express an opinion!
~Warrior of Forest~
Note: Rating drops back to PG and will remain so for the remainder of the story unless otherwise noted.
Kagome encounters the evil plotter in..
Chapter 14: The Figure in the Shadows
Kagome had returned to the past with Inuyasha. They were gladly received after their long absence and all of the people of the past noticed that the shadow that had hung over Inuyasha's heart and mind since that fateful day on the cliff had lifted. He had greeted their friends with a beaming grin, Miroku and Sango thought they would die of shock when the hanyou had declared having missed them. Miroku had placed a hand on his forehead to check for illness and was rewarded with a bonk on the head for his concern. Perhaps the change for the best was most obvious to Myouga, who had known Inuyasha the longest.
The gifts they had bought for their friends were loved and praised, and put to immediate use. You often would see Miroku curled up against a tree muttering to himself as he read through the Dating for Dummies book. Sango now carried her new sword at her side at all times, its beauty only complimented her own as Miroku liked so much to say. ( he did learn something from that book!). Shippou now wore his helmet everywhere and the hanyou had yet to find a reason suitable enough to punch through Shippou's beloved gift.
That was two months ago.
Now two months later, aforementioned flea demon was hitching a ride on the fire rat kimono of a certain white haired, golden hanyou that led the former gatherers of the Shikkon shards on a trip through the countryside.
'My lord certainly has changed' thought the elderly flea as he watched the surrounding secenary. Rolling hills stretched out as far as the humans could see to the west and a forest flanked them on the east. To the south was the village of Kaede at Edo (now Tokyo) and to the north lay the seemingly endless expanse of the Sea of Japan.
'When Kikyou, who had won his trust ultimately betrayed him, I feared for his sanity. When Kagome came into his life, he was forced to become angry at her rather than wallow in his own sorrow and ultimately lose his mind. Then,' Myouga continued on as his thoughts darkened and a shadow passed over his face, 'when I came upon him in the aftermath of Kagome's dreadful tirade, I feared he would be lost to us forever. Then in the village after she first returned, the sight of his hopelessness and pain dashed nearly all hope I had of his recovery.'
Myouga stole a glance at Kagome who now walked by Inuyasha's side.
'But, I thankfully underestimated the power of Kagome and the love he has for her. In two short weeks, Kagome has accomplished what Kikyou and all others who have ever cared for Inuyasha were unable to do. She has made him pure again. She has lifted the shadow over his heart and destroyed his long built defenses against the world. She has made him unconditionally happy. For the first time, I have witnessed an Inuyasha who is quicker to smile and laugh than bark and snarl with rage. Who finds it easy to let a friend know he cares, and express love to another openly and without restraint. Now, this is how he should have been had he lived the life he deserved. My lord is now free of the demons he has carried inside for so long. Now, he is free to bear his soul and open his heart to the world. All thanks to a young girl.nay, women who fell unforeseen into a well in the future and changed the life of Inuyasha forever.'
***********
The group of friends had decided to head out of the village for a day of sightseeing in the surrounding area. Inuyasha had offered to show them around the countryside on numerous day trips throughout the coming years. Today, he had chosen to show them a beautiful clearing he had stumbled upon many years before in pursuit of the Shikon no Tama.
Kagome and Sango had prepared a picnic lunch for the trip. They had prepared sandwitches of turkey and ones of ham brought from Kagome's time. Also, they had used eggs from the village's hens to make fried egg sushi and omlettes. Lastly, the had packed up the rice remaining form the preparation of sushi and made a large pot of tea to take along for the trip as well as for lunch.
The girls strapped the basket and kettle unto the transformed Kirara's back to transport it to the picnic site. Inuyasha had insisted upon them all walking there. It was not far and walking would allow them to enjoy the scenary all that much more. Though Kagome and Sango had at first resisted, they couldn't resist his request when they looked into his hopeful golden eyes.
So that's how they came to be walking across the Japanese countryside in the dawn of spring.
"How much longer Inuyasha?" Kagome inquired "We've been walking along the border of the forest for two hours now."
He glanced at her and then raised his voice so the remainder of the group, who were walking a short distance behind could hear.
"We'll be there soon."
With that said, Inuyasha turned into the forest and began walking straight into the heart of the forest. As they walked deeper into the forest, the sunshine became more and more dim; the dense canopy of leaves that adorned the upper branches of the elderly trees blocked the light. However, the sun filtered through narrow openings in the leaves and cast an ethereal light on the forest floor. For such an old forest, the forest floor was surprisingly bare. It lacked the normal undergrowth and sported only a carpeting of grass that lived on despite the cool temperatures and low light of the forest. The trees were tall and old, their flawless trunks were deep brown and branches only started about forty feet off the forest floor. There was the occasional silver birch tree, their silver and slender trunks in stark contrast to the elderly, tall and wide trunks of the trees that surrounded it. The forest seemed to have an otherworldly nature to it. All sound seemed muffled here and the birds sang a clear song. The travelers were awed by the majesty of the place and were only struck out of their stupor when upon reaching a band of previously unseen willow trees, Inuyasha came to a dead halt.
"We're here." He whispered, and pushed away the veil of weeping willow leaves.
As they stepped through, they collectively gasped in wonder. They stood in a grove of silver birch trees. The slender, young trees with their silver leaves stood only fifteen feet tall. In this small clearing, surrounded by a curtain of weeping willow vines, there were no tall trees and the sunlight beamed down full force and sparkled off the beautiful trees. A small stream ran through the clearing. It was impossibly clear and the bed was of pure white sand adorned with waving seaweed plants and pearl white shells. Tiny fish swam in the crystal waters. The streams song soothed their minds, it seemed to wash away all cares with its pure sound.
At last, Kagome broke the silence.
"It's-it's beautiful." She gasped
"Yes," agreed Sango in a nearly in audible voice "More beautiful than anything I have ever encountered."
"Woah!" gasped Shippou "Pretty!"
Kirara simply meowed appreciatively.
"This place-" started Miroku "It seems that it is not of this world."
"Good. I knew you'd like it!" The hanyou said happily.
"Alright, guys!" Kagome said, clapping her hands together "We've had a long walk, now lets eat!"
They rushed forward to the center of the clearing and set out the blanket they had brought to place their food on. They set out the meal and after washing off in the clear stream felt refreshed and they all zealously dove into the delicious meal.
After lunch, the company lay down in the beautiful area. They felt relaxed and soon dropped off to sleep. Inuyasha lay on his stomach with his head cradled in his crossed arms and a gentle expression on his face. Kagome had lain down beside him on her back, her hands cradeling her head as she soaked up the suns warmth. Sango lay propped up against one of the slender birches, Kirara curled up in her lap. Miroku leaned up against the same tree and slept with his head facing hers, but far enough away to not merit a slap. It was a technique he learned from the book Kagome had given him.
********
"Yes, yes." The shadowed figure cooed from the shadows of the forest. "Now you're all asleep..good.good.."
'The girl will feel my aura soon. She will come and I will be waiting!'
The figure laughed softly as she stole into the deeper reaches of the forest to wait for the girl to come to her.
**********
A shadow infiltrated Kagome's dreams. Pulled to sudden consciousness, Kagome sat up quickly and glanced around the clearing. The willow vines swayed in the breeze and her sleeping companions had yet to stir from slumber. They looked so peaceful, Kagome did not want to wake them for a yet unproved feeling of unease.
Quietly she rose to her feet and started off toward the source of her unease.
As she passed through the willow tree boundary, the feeling only increased.
'What on Earth is going on?' Kagome mused 'This is a peaceful place, none should disrupt the peacefulness of this forest.'
With that in mind, Kagome set out toward the heart of the disturbance, with only a quick glance behind her.
**********
"She's almost here.."
*******
Kagome walked through the forest until she reached yet another clearing. This one lacked the peace of the birch tree clearing and this one was filled with black trunk sporting oak trees.
The feeling in this clearing made her skin crawl. She almost regretted not taking Inuyasha with her.
A rustle from the surrounding woods made Kagome whirl around. As she turned, she found herself staring at the one face she had hoped to never see again.
"You!" She exclaimed in fear and anger "It was you!"
"Yes." said the figure "Last time you slipped through my grasp alive, this time you wont be so lucky! You will die by my hand and Inuyasha by yours!"
To Be Continued...
~ Another chappie out!
Chapter 15: The Black Miko's Revenge *coming soon!*
IMPORTANT NOTE: In your REVIEW, please leave a note on whether you would prefer a shorter time between updates (about 2-3 days) and shorter chapters (4-6 pages, like this one) or about a week between updates and longer chapters like chapters 12 and 13. Please express an opinion!
~Warrior of Forest~